Chapter 345

Felix Valdemar stood at the restaurant entrance, his fingers unconsciously tightening around his suit cuff.

He hadn't expected to run into Vivian Laurent here.

Ever since learning she was Ethan Roscente's ex-wife, Felix had stopped calling her "Dr. Laurent."

But "sister-in-law" didn't feel appropriate either.

"Dr. Laurent, what a coincidence," he finally settled on.

Vivian gave a slight nod. "Here with your girlfriend?"

"No!" Felix waved his hands hastily. "This is my high school classmate, Sophia Sherwood."

Isabella Langley snorted beside them. "As if someone like him could get a girlfriend."

"Isabella!" Felix's temple throbbed visibly.

"What? Am I wrong?" Isabella arched an eyebrow. "Should I remind you about last week at the bar—"

"Sophia, let's go inside." Felix turned abruptly.

This Michelin three-star restaurant never took reservations. Even the mayor had to wait in line.

Isabella tugged Vivian along. "Come on, let's see what table they manage to snag."

Both groups reached the host stand simultaneously.

"Party of two."

"Party of two."

The hostess looked between them apologetically. "We only have one table left..."

"We'll take it," Isabella declared.

"On what grounds?" Felix glared.

"Ladies first, ever heard of it?" Isabella lifted her chin.

"That only applies to actual ladies. What makes you qualify?" Felix sneered.

Isabella's knuckles cracked audibly. "Say that again, I dare you."

"Look at yourself. What man would want you?" Felix shot back.

The hostess watched the bickering pair helplessly.

Meanwhile, Sophia Sherwood's gaze remained fixed on Vivian.

"Miss Laurent, have we met before?" She extended a hand with a sweet smile.

Vivian gave it a light shake. "Perhaps. My memory isn't the best."

Sophia's eyes lingered on the sapphire necklace at Vivian's delicate collarbone.

She recognized it instantly—a limited edition piece from Roscente Jewelry.